Last November, I wrote about how MROSD removed some rocks at one of the switchbacks on the Saratoga Gap trail.
Last month, State Parks turned Rough Go (pictured below) into a smooth dirt trail.
Earlier this month, I learned that MROSD had transformed the somewhat interesting, mildly rocky trail into Saratoga Gap into dirt and gravel.
I’m reminded of this because of my dinky little ride at Alum Rock Park today. I haven’t ridden there since last year and all little rocky patches of trail I remember seem to be less rocky now. I realized that when this happens, I’m never sure whether it’s because I’ve become a better rider, or because the trails have been sanitized / bubble wrapped to protect us from… nature.
I’m going to go scream now.
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Update: 2011-05-01 @ 7:43 AM
RIP Manzanita trail at Skeggs. I woke to pictures of its once rocky surface covered in dirt with a backhoe on top. I never did manage to clean the fearsome rocky wall. Now it’s just a dirt hill. Another great challenge destroyed by MROSD. I don’t even know why they keep doing this. I say this as a biker and a hiker: Smooth trails are boring. If I want an easy walk in the park, I will go to the park. But I wouldn’t call that hiking.
AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Next step? Hire park attendants to walk beside you so you don’t go too fast, fall over or shift into a non-approved gear? Of course, you’ll be wearing one of those padded suits they wear to train attack dogs while you ride. And 10″ diameter wheels so you’re closer to the ground… all rocks to be replaced by Hollywood manufactured “soft rocks” (they look real, but they’re squishy!), then the mandatory post-ride psychological evaluation to make sure you feel emotionally satisfied about your ride and your new-found safety and your self-esteem is unbruised. (feeling ranty today, maybe I should see the trail counselor?)
Speaking of “don’t go too fast”, around here the trails have speed limits and the park rangers have radar detectors. They will ticket you if you’re “speeding”. o_O
I’m afraid I would be forced to mount a radar detector on my handlebars just as an act of civil disobedience.